Last-mile delivery, the final and crucial step in the delivery process, is a major challenge for many companies. A survey found that almost 90% of retailers face difficulties with their last-mile delivery operations due to technical issues, costs, or a combination of both. Bill and Lisa Catania are well aware of this challenge. The couple founded OneRail, a business specializing in last-mile delivery solutions, back in 2018.
Bill previously launched a digital coupon company, M-Dot Network, which was later acquired by the retail transaction processing organization Inmar in 2011. A devoted stock car racing enthusiast, Bill also managed web properties that distributed racing news and results to media partners. The frustration of moving a refrigerator from a big box store to his house with Lisa led Bill to establish OneRail and focus on simplifying fulfillment processes.
Initially named ‘Zapt’, OneRail was developed to offer delivery services to local businesses through a courier network. However, Bill soon realized that this approach was not scalable to address the complete omnichannel delivery challenge faced by large retailers and wholesalers. Therefore, a shift was made, and the foundation for what is now OneRail was built.
OneRail’s platform automatically chooses shipping modes, such as same-day or next-day, and carrier networks to optimize orders based on order data and past performance. Linked to a network of drivers, logistics companies, and a customer support team, OneRail aims to troubleshoot issues as they arise during deliveries. Bill noted the complexity of deliveries due to variations in size and weight, making it challenging for a single network to fulfill all shipping requirements efficiently.
OneRail also offers services for fleet managers through its app, enabling them to dispatch and communicate with drivers, track deliveries, and manage billing and operational tasks effectively. The platform aims to replace multiple ‘point solutions’ used by customers during the peak of the COVID crisis with a unified and cost-effective last-mile fulfillment solution.
In a market with various last-mile logistics players like Fez Delivery, UniUni, Curri, Onfleet, and 99 Minutos, OneRail stands out due to its rapid growth and innovative approach. The company’s revenue has surged by 254% since November 2022, and it has onboarded key executives, including CFO Ed Carse. OneRail boasts a wide reach, serving over 400 cities in the U.S. and Canada, and managing more than 250,000 deliveries daily for around 50 brands.
Recently, OneRail acquired Orderbot, a Vancouver-based company specializing in inventory management tools to enhance operational efficiency. With prominent clients like Lowe’s and PepsiCo, OneRail raised $42 million in a Series C funding round led by Aliment Capital, bringing its total funding to approximately $109 million. The new investment will support product development and the expansion of OneRail’s team to continue delivering innovative solutions for retailers and wholesalers.
